Summary

Caused when the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis is retracted and left behind the glans, leading to vascular engorgement and oedema of the distal glans.

In its acute form, it is a medical emergency requiring rapid evaluation and possible surgical decompression.

Can occur at any age but is most common in children and older people.

Circumcision is preventive and is curative if the process develops.

Most cases are iatrogenic in aetiology.

Definition

Paraphimosis is a condition caused when the foreskin of the uncircumcised penis is retracted and left behind the glans penis, leading to vascular engorgement and oedema of the distal glans.
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]:
Paraphimosis
From the collection of Dr Ranjiv Mathews [Citation ends].[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]:
Paraphimotic ring
From the collection of Dr Ranjiv Mathews [Citation ends].
This condition is a medical emergency when identified acutely and requires prompt, effective treatment to prevent loss of the distal glans penis.
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]:
Diagram illustrating paraphimosis
From the collection of Dr Ranjiv Mathews [Citation ends].